[Federal Register Volume 70, Number 74 (Tuesday, April 19, 2005)]
[Notices]
[Pages 20346-20347]
From the Federal Register Online via the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]
[FR Doc No: 05-7763]


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DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE

Agricultural Marketing Service

[No. TM-05-04]


Nominations for Members of the National Organic Standards Board

AGENCY: Agricultural Marketing Service, USDA.

ACTION: Notice.

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SUMMARY: The Organic Foods Production Act (OFPA) of 1990, as amended, 
requires the establishment of a National Organic Standards Board 
(NOSB). The NOSB is a 15-member board that is responsible for 
developing and recommending to the Secretary a proposed National List 
of Approved and Prohibited Substances. The NOSB also advises the 
Secretary on other aspects of the National Organic Program. The U.S. 
Department of Agriculture (USDA) is requesting nominations to fill six 
(6) upcoming vacancies on the NOSB. The positions to be filled are: 
organic producer (2 positions), consumer/public interest (3 positions), 
and USDA accredited certifying agent (1 position). The Secretary of 
Agriculture will appoint a person to each position to serve a 5-year 
term of office that will commence on January 24, 2006, and run until 
January 24, 2011. USDA

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encourages eligible minorities, women, and persons with disabilities to 
apply for membership on the NOSB.

DATES: Written nominations, with resumes, must be post-marked on or 
before July 15, 2005.

ADDRESSES: Nominations should be sent to Ms. Katherine E. Benham, 
Advisory Board Specialist, USDA-AMS-TMP-NOP, 1400 Independence Avenue, 
SW., Room 4008-So., Ag Stop 0268, Washington, DC 20250.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATION CONTACT: Ms. Katherine E. Benham, (202) 205-
7806; E-mail: [email protected]; Fax: (202) 205-7808.

SUPPLEMENTARY INFORMATION: The OFPA of 1990, as amended (7 U.S.C. 6501 
et seq.), requires the Secretary to establish an organic certification 
program for producers and handlers of agricultural products that have 
been produced using organic methods. In developing this program, the 
Secretary is required to establish an NOSB. The purpose of the NOSB is 
to assist in the development of a proposed National List of Approved 
and Prohibited Substances and to advise the Secretary on other aspects 
of the National Organic Program.
    The NOSB made recommendations to the Secretary regarding the 
establishment of the initial organic program. It is anticipated that 
the NOSB will continue to make recommendations on various matters, 
including recommendations on substances it believes should be allowed 
or prohibited for use in organic production and handling.
    The NOSB is composed of 15 members; 4 organic producers, 2 organic 
handlers, a retailer, 3 environmentalists, 3 public/consumer 
representatives, a scientist, and a certifying agent. Nominations are 
being sought to fill the following six (6) upcoming NOSB vacancies: 
organic producer (2 positions), consumer/public interest (3 positions), 
and USDA accredited certifying agent (1 position). Individuals desiring 
to be appointed to the NOSB at this time must be either an owner or 
operator of an organic production operation, an individual who 
represents public interest or consumer interest groups, or an 
individual who is a USDA accredited organic certifying agent. Selection 
criteria will include such factors as: demonstrated experience and 
interest in organic production, organic certification, and support of 
consumer and public interest organizations; demonstrated experience 
with respect to agricultural products produced and handled on certified 
organic farms; and such other factors as may be appropriate for 
specific positions.
    Nominees will be supplied with a biographical information form that 
must be completed and returned to USDA within 10 working days of its 
receipt. Completed biographical information forms are required for a 
nominee to receive consideration for appointment by the Secretary.
    Equal opportunity practices will be followed in all appointments to 
the NOSB in accordance with USDA policies. To ensure that the members 
of the NOSB take into account the needs of the diverse groups that are 
served by the Department, membership on the NOSB will include, to the 
extent practicable, individuals who demonstrate the ability to 
represent minorities, women, and persons with disabilities.
    The information collection requirements concerning the nomination 
process have been previously cleared by the Office of Management and 
Budget (OMB) under OMB Control No. 0505-0001.

    Dated: April 14, 2005.
Kenneth C. Clayton,
Acting Administrator, Agricultural Marketing Service.
[FR Doc. 05-7763 Filed 4-18-05; 8:45 am]
BILLING CODE 3410-02-P